2018 Australian Open champion Wozniacki retires

By Emre Asikci

ANKARA (AA) - The 2018 Australian Open winner from Denmark, Caroline Wozniacki retired from tennis on Friday at age 29.

"The end of an era. Thank you for the memories @CaroWozniacki. You'll be so very missed," the Australian Open said on its Twitter account to pay tribute to the female player.

Wozniacki said farewell to tennis after getting eliminated from the 2020 Australian Open.

Tunisian player Ons Jabeur, 25, beat Wozniacki with the sets of 7-5, 3-6 and 7-5 in the third round at Melbourne Arena.

Following this win, Jabeur qualified for the fourth round.

"You are such an inspiration for me and for many players, and I've been lucky enough to be on tour with you," Jabeur said to praise her opponent, Wozniacki.

"I think it was only fitting that my last match would be a three-setter, a grinder and that I would finish my career with a forehand error," the Danish star said after the match and adding that she feels excited for the life after tennis.

"It's been really amazing, it's been a great ride... You may see me around, not on court, but off the court still," Wozniacki remarked.

The world number 36 burst into tears after her last game.

Wozniacki started to play in grand slams since 2007 and had 70% career wins. She won 599 games in singles but loss 256.

She earned her first grand slam title in the 2018 Australian Open, beating Romanian national Simona Halep in the final.

The Australian Open website said Wozniacki has been living in Monte Carlo, Monaco and during her career she earned $35.2 million in prize money.